Earlier this week, I looked back at the 3 words I laid out for 2017. They were...

Focus

Expertise

Separation

Before I go ahead and lay out my 3 words for 2018, I thought I'd review last year's words to analyze how I ended up doing.

Starting with focus, I thought I made a giant step away from too much multi-tasking. For me, multi-tasking comes in two different forms. In moments, it's when I'm trying to work on more than one task at a time. Over a time horizon, it's when I'm not completely invested into one project. I did a great job in 2017 only focusing on a few projects and making them truly meaningful.

As for expertise, I was successful in leveraging my focus to hone in on my specializations. My website and social profiles, for example, have been designed to be laser-focused on my abilities surrounding growth hacking startups.

My final word last year was my attempt to figure out work/life balance. Although I did a fantastic job executing this, I dismiss the success due to my utter discontent with the concept of work/life balance. Perhaps I'll expand more on that when I designate my three words for 2018.

The 3 Words for 2018

1) Gratitude: I have made a habit out of constantly reminding myself how lucky I am. I never want to take that for granted. Expressing gratitude is not only a positive movement toward self-awareness, but it inspires infectious happiness throughout communities. Rather than complaining about what we don't have, we should be thankful for what we do have.

2) Journaling: I've been developing a new regimen lately that forces me to physically write down what is on my mind. I also use this practice to set goals and organize my days. I can only foresee positive outcomes from continuing to journal on a daily basis.

3) Listen: The best leaders lead only after they've heard where their followers want to go. In a sense, this means that considering feedback of those around you before making decisions is a non-negotiable. A leader should come to the table without the answers so that he/she can gather enough data to make the decision as a group.

I couldn't be more excited for the year ahead. I have a lot planned so stay tuned to this blog for some exciting news.